University of Sioux Falls Athletics

Chris Johnson is entering his 18th season at the helm of the USF Men's Basketball program.

Johnson was named the 2019-20 NSIC Coach of the Year and has had a significant impact on the USF Men’s Basketball program. 

Johnson has led the Cougars to an NAIA Sweet 16 appearance, two GPAC post season tournament championships, 10 NSIC tournament appearances, six 20-win seasons, and one NSIC South Division title. Under the direction of Johnson, the Cougars have had 12 winning seasons.

Before arriving in Sioux Falls, Johnson was the top assistant coach for three seasons at the University of North Dakota. Prior to joining the UND coaching staff, Johnson spent the 2004-05 season as head coach at Culver-Stockton College. He was named 2004-05 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Prior to arriving at Culver-Stockton, Johnson served as an assistant coach at Minot State from 2001-04. Before that he served as an assistant at Minnesota State-Mankato from 1999-2001 and Central College from 1998-99 in Pella, Iowa.

Johnson was a two-year starting guard for the Dutch of Central College, lettering all four seasons. He graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He received a master’s degree in sports administration from Minnesota State-Mankato, in 2005.  

Johnson and his wife, Amy, have four children including Bailey, TJ, Zeke and Lucy.

USF Records and Accomplishments
- Programs Career Wins Leader

- Six 20-win seasons

- Three NAIA National Tournament Appearances

- 2019-20 NSIC South Division Champions

- 2010-11 Hauff Mid America/GPAC Coach of the Year

- 2019-20 NSIC Coach of the Year

- One NSIC Newcomer of the Year- Trey Evans (2017-18)

- Seven All-GPAC Honorees

- 14 All-NSIC Honorees

- 48 NSIC All-Academic Honorees

- 18 NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence Honorees.

- One D2CCA All Central Region Second Team Honoree- Matt Cartwright (2022-23)

- One NABC Division II All-District Second Team Honoree- Matt Cartwright (2022-23)

- NABC Academic Team of Excellence (2024-25)  

Updated: 7/2025